As it enters semester two, Caroline Chisholm Catholic College in Braybrook has plenty of excitement in store for the 1500 students enrolled across its three campuses.

Principal Marco DiCesare says the community is very welcome to be a part of it.

“Our college musical, Mary Poppins, will be staged on August 25 and 26 in our 900-seat auditorium,” he says. “Students have been busy rehearsing to put on a great night for parents and community members … it promises to be a showcase of the artistic and creative talent encouraged by the college.

“And earlier in the month, we have a parent information night on August 2 for senior students’ course selections. Then, on August 4, we come together as a community to celebrate achievements and display student and staff talent at our talent quest and awards assembly at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.”

More than 200 dedicated teachers and support staff are on board at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College to bring students an engaged, faith-filled and supportive learning environment.

Students are taught at three campuses – years 7-9 girls at Christ the King; years 7-9 boys at St John’s; and years 10-12 co-ed at Sacred Heart. There’s also an outdoor education site, Garema Dumont, in the Brisbane Ranges.

Mr DiCesare says the college supports students in being the best they are called to be.

“This applies in the academic areas, such as science and mathematics, and artistically in the music and drama fields,” he says. “We also offer hands-on experience in the trade training centre; and in out-of-classroom areas, such as sport and social justice. In years 10-12, we provide VCE, VET and VCAL programs.”

Extension programs at the college include international exchange with schools in Japan and Italy; Aspire, an accelerated educational and enrichment program for years 7-9 students; and a partnership with Australian Catholic University and University of Melbourne that enables year 12 students to study tertiary subjects while at the college.

“The wellbeing of our students and their educational outcomes are central to all that we do,” Mr DiCesare says. “Seeing them live out our values of Faith, Acceptance, Compassion and Excellence (FACE), within the college and the community, is a blessing.”